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Meniscal injuries: Detection using MR imaging

Conference · · Radiology; (United States)
OSTI ID:6719375

Both retrospective and blinded analyses of thin-section, high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images of the knee joint, produced using a sole-noid surface coil, indicate that MR imaging is an effective technique for evaluating meniscal injuries. Images of 49 patients were evaluated, and the results were correlated with those of subsequent arthroscopy. A grading scale was developed to rate the index of suspicion of a meniscal tear based on the MR images. Overall, approximately 80% of menisci rated grade 4 (definite tear) or 3 (probable tear) were found to have corresponding tears at arthroscopy. In many other patients with a grade 4 or 3 meniscus in whom a corresponding tear was not found arthroscopically, meniscal tears at other sites or other abnormalities were correctly diagnosed using MR. A majority of the false-positive MR images involved the posterior horns of the menisci, the sites of most false-negative arthroscopic diagnoses. The predictive value of a negative MR image was almost 100%. Even in patients with moderate-to-large effusions, the menisci were accurately evaluated. The results imply that MR imaging is useful in the preoperative evaluation of suspected meniscal tears.

Research Organization:
UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90024
OSTI ID:
6719375
Report Number(s):
CONF-861136-
Journal Information:
Radiology; (United States), Journal Name: Radiology; (United States) Vol. 159:3; ISSN RADLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English